Ohio Public Relations Colleges and Schools with Degree Overviews

Research public relations degree programs in Ohio, which currently has nearly 30 colleges and universities offering programs. Read an overview of degree programs, tuition info and program options for ten of these schools and decide which program is right for you.

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Essential Information

Numerous colleges and universities throughout Ohio offer public relations certificates and degree programs ranging from the associate to master's degree level. The public relations major can also be referred to as strategic communication or advocacy communication. Programs cover such topics as promotions, organizational communication, marketing communications, public speaking and crisis management. Some programs integrate internship experiences, allowing students to gain hands-on skills in the field.

Franklin University

Franklin University in Columbus offers undergraduate degrees in public relations. Both the associate's and bachelor's degree require a general education core in subjects such as English, math and science. Major area courses cover topics including crisis management, internal communication, promotions and publicity. Students may also choose a related minor like communication, marketing and management.

Kent State University

Located in Kent, Kent State University's School of Journalism and Mass Communication (JMC) has five majors, including public relations. Bachelor's degree students are prepared for entry-level positions in public relations firms, government agencies or nonprofit organizations. In addition to general education classes, major area coursework includes multimedia techniques, print beat reporting and public relations tactics.

Miami University-Oxford

The Oxford campus of Miami University offers a strategic communication bachelor's degree for students who wish to enter the field of public relations. The degree program focuses on using communication to influence the public's opinions and integrates many public relations topics. Additionally, there are many internship opportunities available for students to take advantage of prior to graduation.

Ohio Dominican University

Ohio Dominican University in Columbus offers a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations & Marketing Communications which combines public relation theory and practice. Students may choose a public relations emphasis, which includes courses such as public speaking, mass media and an internship.

Ohio Northern University

Offered through the College of Arts & Sciences at Ohio Northern University in Ada, the Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts allows students to choose a concentration area, including communication studies, electronic media and broadcasting, and public relations. The public relations concentration is certified by the Public Relations Society of America and offers both on-campus and off-campus learning opportunities.

Ohio State University

Located in Columbus, Ohio State University offers an undergraduate program in strategic communications. This degree program combines public relations, marketing communication, advertising and other communication disciplines to provide a comprehensive education. Students can also choose a minor, such as communication, media and society, and communication technology.

Ohio University

The state's oldest public institution of higher learning, Ohio University in Athens was established in 1804. Ohio University's Scripps College of Communication offers many relevant undergraduate and graduate majors for those students who are interested in pursuing a career in public relations. The college is considered one of the top five programs in the nation.

University of Cincinnati

In Cincinnati, Ohio, the University of Cincinnati's Department of Communication offers a certificate in public relations. This program is one of only 20 in the nation to have received the Certification in Education for Public Relations designation from the Public Relations Society of America. This certificate program is available only to current communication majors at the University of Cincinnati.

University of Dayton

The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio, offers a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a public relations concentration. Public relations students may enter a variety of fields upon graduation. A minor in communications is also available.

Ursuline College

Located in Pepper Pike, Ursuline College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Marketing Communications through its School of Graduate and Professional Studies. It is considered an Adult Accelerated Degree Program, which tailors its coursework to a working adult population. Two internships are required for this major.

School Comparison: At a Glance

School Name

School Type & Setting

Public Relations Degree and Certificate Programs Offered

Tuition & Fees 2015-2016

Franklin University

4-year, private not-for-profit; large city

Associate of Science in Public RelationsBachelor of Science in Public Relations

$11,641*

Kent State University

4-year, public; large suburb

Bachelor of Science in Public Relations

$10,012 (in-state)*$18,212 (out-of-state)*

Miami University-Oxford

4-year, public; fringe town

Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications

$14,287 (in-state)*$30,987 (out-of-state)*

Ohio Dominican University

4-year, private not-for-profit; large city

Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations & Marketing Communications

$30,270*

Ohio Northern University

4-year, private not-for-profit; fringe town

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts, Concentration in Public Relations

$28,810*

Ohio State University

4-year, public; large city

Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications

$10,037 (in-state)*$27,365 (out-of-state)*

Ohio University

4-year, public; distant town

Bachelor of Arts in Communication & Public AdvocacyBachelor of Arts in Organizational CommunicationBachelor of Arts in Journalism Strategic CommunicationMaster of Arts in Organizational Communication